We've completed a look at three parables showcasing forgiveness and redemption. Now we look at the first of three parables in which Jesus shares lessons on the right usage of money for the advancement of his Kingdom.

Join us as we tackle the difficult but powerful parable of the shrewd manager and how we should use our money in calculated and wise ways.

We continue in Luke today by looking at what is possibly Jesus most well-known parable. We often refer to it as the Parable of the Prodigal Son but today, we look at it in its context and notice that we might more accurately call it the Parable of the Father and Two Lost Sons. In it we hear and rejoice in the good news that the Father receives undeserving sinners who turn and come to Him.

Some of us are quick to celebrate. We see good things happening and we rejoice. Others of us are quick to complain. We see things we don't like and we grumble. Which are you?

In today's passage, Jesus confronts some grumbling religious people who seem to be quick to complain. He tells them 2 similar parables and in them we hear some really good news that causes rejoicing

We are united to Jesus by grace alone through faith alone in Him alone. Jesus has paid the penalty for our sin in full. But should we who have been freely saved except a cost as we follow Jesus as His disciples? As we wrap up Luke 14, Jesus addresses the crowd about the high cost of being His disciples.

Baptism is understood and carried out in different ways in different churches. Like many churches, we believe that baptism by immersion in water is to take place after someone repents and puts their faith in Jesus.

Baptism is a beautiful picture of God's saving work and our identification with Jesus is his death, burial and resurrections.

Today, before witnessing and celebrating some baptisms together, we will briefly look at a powerful passage in Colossians.

Around the dinner table, guests clamber for honor. Jesus challenges them wtih a story of honor and shame. Then, He turns to the host and offers strange instruction -- to invite the un-inviteable -- people who can't repay. One final story illustrates the nature of the "blessed" person. This is the one who receives the banquet invitation with faith!

Jewish leaders have their doubts about this rabbi. No once can deny the power and influence he wields, but his allegiance must be clear. Will he follow the law of God, according to the religious tradition? They send a dinner invitation, find a sick man, and sit back to watch.

Jesus cares for people; he cares for the man with edema, the scheming Pharisees, and for us. He is perfectly obedient to the law of the Lord and, therefore, perfectly loving toward us. He is a master worth following.

What is your typical response when you hear the warning of a coming storm? Do you stand outside assuming you'll be okay or do you heed the warning and seek shelter immediately? As Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem where He will be crucified and raised from the dead, He answers a question about how many will be saved with an urgent warning, a resolute commitment, and a loving lament.

24/7 news access allows us to hear stories of tragedies daily. Some tragedies hit closer to home than others. How do you typically respond to news of tragedy? How did Jesus respond? While we see a variety of responses in Scripture, the response in today's passage may surprise us. But we must not miss it.

There are certain times in history in which a costly, crucial choice must be made. Jesus' arrival forces a costly, crucial choice. Those who choose to be united to Him by faith will pay a cost. But those who reject Him or delay their decision will pay an even greater cost.